Ballyrun

The environment

The Ballyrun program at Ballymun AC may be youth-focused, but it’s also had a positive environmental impact in a few meaningful ways: Promoting Active Travel: We encourage participants to walk or run to training sessions and events rather than relying on cars or public transport. This small shift has helped reduce local carbon emissions and promoted greener travel habits among young people and their families.

The local economy

The Ballyrun program has also brought clear benefits to the local economy in Ballymun by creating opportunities and supporting community-based growth: Volunteering: We've hired local coaches, mentors, and support staff to help run the program, creating part-time volunteer roles that contribute to skill development and local income. Some past participants have even gone on to become junior coaches themselves. Supporting Local Businesses: We’ve partnered with local suppliers for things like sports gear, refreshments, and event logistics—keeping our spending within the community. Our community events and races also draw people to the area, benefiting nearby cafés, shops, and service providers. Youth Engagement = Long-term Impact: By giving young people structure, purpose, and goals, we’re helping reduce anti-social behavior and encouraging long-term personal growth. This not only eases pressure on local services but also contributes to a healthier, more active, and more employable future generation.

Volunteering, jobs & education

The Ballyrun program at Ballymun AC has had a real and lasting impact on volunteering, employment, and education in the community: Increased Volunteering: Ballyrun has inspired a strong volunteer culture. Many parents, older athletes, and even past participants have stepped up to help run sessions, organize events, and mentor younger runners. We’ve created a welcoming space where people feel proud to give back, often gaining new skills and confidence in the process. Pathways to Employment: Through our training and coaching programs, several participants have completed coaching certifications and moved into paid roles in other local sports initiatives. By building real-life experience in leadership and sports development, Ballyrun has opened doors to careers in sport, youth work, and beyond. Boosting Education & Ambition: Sport has been a powerful motivator. Many young people involved in Ballyrun have shown increased school attendance, better focus, and a clearer sense of purpose. We've also connected them with further education opportunities, including workshops and college access programs.

Arts, culture & heritage

While the Ballyrun program is rooted in athletics, we've made a conscious effort to celebrate and uplift arts, culture, and heritage as part of the overall experience. Here’s how: Community Storytelling & Identity: We’ve used Ballyrun as a platform to share local stories—both through social media and at events. Participants learn about the history of Ballymun, including its regeneration, resilience, and strong community spirit. This helps them feel more connected to where they come from and proud of their roots. Creative Collaborations: We've teamed up with local artists and creatives to design custom race bibs, murals, and Ballyrun merchandise that reflect Ballymun’s culture and personality. These visual elements not only beautify the space but also give young people a voice and a sense of ownership.

Activity, health and leisure

he Ballyrun project at Ballymun AC was designed with a clear focus on promoting physical activity, health, and positive leisure time, especially for young people in the area. Here's how we delivered on that: Regular, Inclusive Physical Activity: We provided free and accessible weekly running sessions, open to all fitness levels. This gave young people a fun, pressure-free way to stay active, improve their fitness, and develop healthy habits for life. Health Education: Alongside physical training, we offered workshops on topics like nutrition, mental well-being, rest and recovery, and goal-setting. These sessions gave participants a well-rounded understanding of how to take care of both their bodies and minds. Positive Use of Free Time: Ballyrun gave young people a safe, structured alternative to hanging around or getting involved in anti-social behaviour. It became a healthy outlet for energy and a positive way to spend evenings and weekends. Family & Community Involvement: We also engaged parents and siblings, encouraging family participation through community fun runs and wellness events, helping to create a culture of health and activity across generations.